We live at a time when we are evermore attuned to what it means to recognise our connections to Nature. This course will explore the longstanding literary form of Nature Writing from a range of examples from around the world. Each week, we will focus on a specific writer, such as John Clare or Gilbert White, and their work. In doing so, we will consider the intersection of their lives with their writing. In doing this, we will have the opportunity to think about the particular creative achievement of their work, how it might connect to the bigger tradition of Nature Writing and what the legacy of a given piece of work is. The course will be underpinned by the Canvas online learning system: this will offer students ongoing access to a range of reading materials and related resources.
Course aim
This course will explore the longstanding literary form of Nature Writing. Each week, we will focus on a specific writer and their work, considering the intersection of their lives and their writing.
Do I need any particular skills or experience?
- This course is for beginners and improvers
By the end of the course I should be able to:
- Describe some of the essential qualities of Nature Writing
- Identify at least three Nature Writers and aspects of their work.
- Discuss some of the relationships that might exist between Nature writing and literary devices such as the use of metaphor.
- To identify some of the connections between Nature writing and 'fiction'.
- Discuss how Nature writing relates to wider cultural and 'political' and ideological concerns and traditions.
What else do I need to know?
Each session will be supported by the provision (online via Canvas) of reading material that relates to each week's session. Each session will combine a 'formal' talk / presentation followed by an opportunity for extensive group discussion and comment.
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